Tuesday, 31 March 2009

In a previous edition of Industrial Heritage Richard Cheffins article on the LESC building in Greenwich High Road was reproduced. Now a correspondent to the journal has written:"The Power Station at Deptford was equipped with reciprocating steam engines made in Bolton by Hick Hargreaves. They were builders of large steam engines, but not as large as that planned by Ferranti and they had to order new machine tools big enough to make the 4 x 10,000HP engines. These engines had spherical hearings features in Hicks engines form the first of theirlocomotives circa 183q. the engines drove the 10,000 volt alternators with ropes as in a textile mill. The 10,0000 v was taken into London by the side of railway tracks because no council would have such a dangerous voltage over their land. the conductors were concentric copper pipes with paper insulation, the inner beinglive. Ferrantidemonstratedthesafetybyhammering a chisel through the conductor under power.100 years ago in 1908 there was a fire underrailway arches and a conductor was put out of action. As a temporaryexpedientsupply customersFerranti used surveyingconductors as live with an earth return. he lost about 1,000 volts but it affected telephones, telegraphs and tram cars. the effect was felt as far away as Italy. The disturbance was put down as a severe electrical storm. The beans were spilt just before his death whenFerranti spoke on his easily days.

In the post the Lewisham Local History Society Newsletter.Their main talk in February was about Herbert Morrison MP - he was MP for South Lewisham, which justified their talk - but can I point out he lived in Eltham!!The newletter also contains a fascinating article about old Lewisham cinemas - and adverts for the following events _16th May - Friends of Nunhead Cemetery Open Day = see George Livesey's grave24th April - Lewisham Local History Society - Dr.Roger Bowler on Designation in London26th June - Lewisham Local History Society Zeppelins and Gothas over London. 1915-1918(both at the Methodist Church Hall, Albion Way, 7.45).25th April. Council for Kentish Archaeology Discoveries and Research. Sevenoaks Community Centre. £415th May The Boyd Family Dynasty at Danson House.

This mornings post - lots of stuff for a change - Docklands History Group. There is a report of a talk by Edward Sargeant on Gravesend skiffs. this might not seem to be much about Greenwich but he says "the Gravesend skiff seems to have been derived from the tupe of skiff in use around Greenwich". What is more he talks anout William Warner, who was born in Greenwich in 1832 where he was apprenticed to Shipbuilder Corbettt (who?? tell me more??). He then moved to West Street in Gravesend and starting building skiffs - so - you see - it all comes from round here, not down there. His skiffs all had to be used round Greenwich because the water was too rough down in Gravesend. He had to add a plank to improve the freeboard. Edward wants to start a Kent traditional boat association - and I think we can claim, very happily, that Greenwich is really part of Kent (and it is!!).Edward is coming to talk to GIHS in the autumn about the Grand Surrey Canal.

Wednesday, 18 March 2009

A quick note to say that the Society's AGM was held last night, followed by the usual dynamic talk from John King (this one about something which didn't exist).

In her Chair's report Sue Bullevant drew particular attention to the number of members we have lost this year - in particular our first Chair, Jack Vaughan, who died last summer - but also the deaths of Dot Lawrence, Clive Chambers and Reg Barter. Mary Mills also thanked David Riddle who makes such a big input into this site and the web site.

Sue was re-elected as Chair, Andrew Bullevant as Vice-Chair, Mary Mills as Secretary, Steve Daly as Treasurer, and Ray Fordham as a committee member.

Thursday, 5 March 2009

I would like information about a little tanker which carried molasses from Cantley, Norfolk and linseed oil from Holland (and fuel oil) to and from various wharves in London and I wish to trace information about them to incorporate into a record of her trading routes. In your area I am interested in Greenwich Inlaid Lino Co. Victoria Works, and Greig's Wharf area; The Mollassine Co. Ltd, Tunnel Glucose Refiners - Tunnel Wharf, Thames Soap & Candle Works (Unilever). I am also particularly interested to find out about Younghusbands Wharf, Rotherhithe Street Lower Pool which I see on my port chart is named as King & Queen Wharf, more or less opposite Shadwell New Basin entrance lock and just downstream of Bellamy's Wharf. Also the run of wharves downstream of the Mar Dyke in West Thurrock marshes to Stone Ness which includes Anglo American oil Co, Caspian Wharf, Jurgens Ltd wharf and Tunnel Cement works wharf, all just upstream of Everards base at Greenhithe.I would be most grateful if you could point me in the right direction for information.

Wednesday, 4 March 2009

1. Docklands History Group - forthcoming programme. Events held at the Museum in Docklands5th March - Fire Fighting on the Thames. David Rogers2nd April - Introduction to the Port of London Authority Centenary Exhibition7th May - visit to the Wapping Police Museum.

2. We have a request for information on the fatal gunpowder explosion at Erith in 1964

3. Francis Tin Box Factory. We have a request for information if records exist for this company which was in Blackheath Hill. This is about boxes supplied to troops in the First World War.

4. We have been approached by a marine archaeologist working on the Charlton riverside. He is looking for information about Castle's breakers and about Cory.